Africa: a growing market for the hotel business

Eldorado, a land of new opportunities, the continent of the future… a long list of terms is used to illustrate the future of Africa, which has become seen as the continent where anything is possible for hotel groups, students and professionals seeking out new experiences.

The emergence over the last 20 years of Africa as one of the most rapidly expanding economic zones and tourist destinations, has been a magnet for international hotel chain investors and developers. AccorHotels in particular, a member of our Steering Committee, is busy developing its presence in sub-Saharan Africa through the creation of Katara Hospitality, an investment fund worth more than 1 billion dollars that aims to open new hotels in a booming market.

Given the development of this hotel activity and the opportunities for management careers in the sector, according to our Talent Managers the African continent has now become a destination that attracts an increasing number of students. Faustine, who is studying Hospitality Management, seized the opportunity to do her year 2 professional placement in Botswana working as an Executive Assistant at Feline Fields Resort. Emilie too did her year 3 placement as F&B Manager at Club Med on Mauritius Island. In the area of Culinary Arts, Alizée was able to work as a Commis Chef at the Royal Mansour in Marrakech.

In addition to a wide range of placement offers, there are also numerous career opportunities to be taken. Yohanis Gebreyesus Hailemariam, who graduated from the Institute in 2012, is today managing director and culinary book writer based in Addis-Abeda, Ethiopia. As for Ryan Salman (Bachelor in Culinary Arts Management, 2009), he is Head Chef and owner of the Le Coste restaurant, Senegal.

In order to support the development work of tourist industry professionals and satisfy the increasing hospitality management education requirements in this geographical zone, a new Institut Paul Bocuse campus will be opened in 2020 on Reunion Island.

Do you dream of becoming an international manager in the hotel business, travelling and thriving in a dynamic sector of activity that offers multiple career opportunities?
Come and talk to us about your project at one of our forthcoming student fairs or open days!